Coral Expeditions

Saltwater Country & Culture (13 nts)

Saltwater Country & Culture

13 nights Darwin – Cairns

From remote saltwater communities to volcanic coastlines, this voyage celebrates Indigenous ingenuity and resilience, revealing stories of culture, connection, and living Country.

Departs

  • 5 October 2026
  • 8 September 2027
Cruising map of Coral Expeditions Saltwater Country expedition

Prices for 2026 & 2027

Press the arrow on the next line to see the full price list.

2026 prices – Coral Adventurer

Cabin 2026 Full Fare 2026 NRMA* Xplorers Club Silver** Xplorers Club Gold***
Coral Deck Stateroom $16,490 pp $14,841 pp $14,068 pp $13,241 pp
Promenade Deck Stateroom $19,990 pp $17,991 pp $17,091 pp $16,191 pp
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom $24,890 pp $22,401 pp $21,280 pp $20,152 pp
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom $26,890 pp $24,201 pp $22,991 pp $21,781 pp
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite $31,290 pp $28,161 pp $26,752 pp $25,577 pp

All prices are per person, twin share in AUD.

Multiple Cabin Discounts: Please ask us about discounts for 2+ cabins.

*NRMA members (not an NRMA member? Ask us and we’ll help you sign up) – Receive 10% off the full cruise fare. Savings are subject to availability on selected dates. MYNRMA Members also get complimentary Deposit Protection and 1x complimentary bottle of wine.

**Xplorers Club Silver – Receive 5% off the full cruise fare if you’ve previously cruised with Coral Expeditions on any of their cruises between 6-13 nights. This discount can be combined with the NRMA offer. The above price grid reflects this discount combination (NRMA 10% off the full fare plus an extra 5% off the full fare for the Xplorers Silver).

***Xplorers Club Gold – Receive 10% off the full cruise fare if you’ve previously cruised with Coral Expeditions on a combination of cruises totalling between 14-50 nights. This discount can be combined with the NRMA offer. The above price grid reflects this discount combination (NRMA 10% off the full fare plus an extra 10% off the full fare for the Xplorers Gold).

Click here to see full terms and conditions of Xplorers Club prices.

2027 prices – Coral Adventurer

Cabin 2027 Full Fare 2027 NRMA* Xplorers Club Silver** Xplorers Club Gold***
Coral Deck Stateroom $16,490 pp $14,841 pp $14,068 pp $13,241 pp
Promenade Deck Stateroom $19,990 pp $17,991 pp $17,091 pp $16,191 pp
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom $24,890 pp $22,401 pp $21,280 pp $20,152 pp
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom $26,890 pp $24,201 pp $22,991 pp $21,781 pp
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite $31,290 pp $28,161 pp $26,752 pp $25,577 pp

All prices are per person, twin share in AUD.

Multiple Cabin Discounts: Please ask us about discounts for 2+ cabins.

*NRMA members (not an NRMA member? Ask us and we’ll help you sign up) – Receive 10% off the full cruise fare. Savings are subject to availability on selected dates. MYNRMA Members also get complimentary Deposit Protection and 1x complimentary bottle of wine.

**Xplorers Club Silver – Receive 5% off the full cruise fare if you’ve previously cruised with Coral Expeditions on any of their cruises between 6-13 nights. This discount can be combined with the NRMA offer. The above price grid reflects this discount combination (NRMA 10% off the full fare plus an extra 5% off the full fare for the Xplorers Silver).

***Xplorers Club Gold – Receive 10% off the full cruise fare if you’ve previously cruised with Coral Expeditions on a combination of cruises totalling between 14-50 nights. This discount can be combined with the NRMA offer. The above price grid reflects this discount combination (NRMA 10% off the full fare plus an extra 10% off the full fare for the Xplorers Gold).

Click here to see full terms and conditions of Xplorers Club prices.

Inclusions

  • Post-cruise transfers to CBD hotel or airport
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Expedition diary, along with a photo gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • All meals, chef-prepared on board
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs, & Kayaks
  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Pre and post cruise accommodation
  • Premium Internet services
  • Alcoholic & non alcoholic specialty beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Laundry service (available at a cost)
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Travel Insurance
  • Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
  • Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights

Itinerary Highlights

  • Engage with Tiwi, Yolgnu, Gumatj, Masig & Mer Islanders art, song, and storytelling.

  • Cruise volcanic coastlines, wetlands, and remote coral islands.
  • Trace ancient Makassan trade routes, methods and traditions.
  • Explore sacred rock art, island communities, and wild coastlines.

Embark in Darwin and set course for the Tiwi Islands. Be welcomed through art, dance, and storytelling before visiting Tiwi Design and the Patakijiyali Museum to discover the deep creative traditions of the Tiwi people.

Experience traditional Tiwi knowledge meeting modern sustainability. Visit Milikapiti Farm and Nursery and hear from Tiwi Land and Sea Rangers on their pioneering role in Australia’s carbon economy.

Cruise through Australia’s first RAMSAR-listed wetlands at sunrise. Encounter mangroves, monsoon forests, and over 230 bird species during an Xplorer-led birdwatching expedition across this globally significant ecosystem.

Engage with Yolŋu culture through bark painting, spear making, and bush tucker walks. Meet students from the local Maritime College and gain insight into how traditional knowledge shapes future pathways.

Walk the 3.2km coastal trail with Dhimurru Rangers to view the heritage Wurrwurrwuy stone pictures, records of early trade with Makassan visitors. Later, cruise along striking volcanic red coastlines by Xplorer.

Be welcomed to Bawaka homeland for stories, song, and dance with the Gumatj people. Share lunch with locals and cruise to the secluded Lonely Beach, where the land and sea connect in quiet splendour.

Sail eastward, taking time to reflect on the stories, knowledge, and landscapes shared. Enjoy onboard presentations and horizon views as we cross towards the Torres Strait.

Tour Thursday Island’s cultural landmarks and hear stories of the Torres Strait flag and pearl diving past. As evening falls, raise a glass at Pajinka, the northernmost point of Australia.

Join the vibrant Masig Island community for dance, music, and conversation about resilience and climate action. Enjoy a traditional meal and optional workshops in weaving, bush foods, or spear fishing.

Visit the ancestral lands of Eddie Mabo and meet local artisans of the Black Bamboo enterprise. Explore the volcanic shores of Waua Islet and hear how community creativity sustains cultural and economic strength.

Sail the Coral Sea’s tranquil waters, with time for reflection and discussions led by our guest lecturers on Indigenous agency, art, and the environment.

Disembark for a guided walk to the remarkable rock art galleries depicting early European sailing ships. Learn from Traditional Owners about the reclamation of their ancestral lands.

Arrive in Cairns at 9:00am. Disembark after breakfast with included transfers to local hotels or the airport, carrying with you the spirit of saltwater country and its people.

Embrace the unexpected – it’s part of the adventure. This itinerary is a guide. We adjust plans based on weather, tides, wildlife, and opportunities we encounter. Remote communities may be unavailable due to local customs. Flexibility makes expeditions special.

Cruising Papua New Guinea with Coral Expedition cruises

Coral Adventurer

Life on board Coral Adventurer when travelling Australia’s West and North Coast is raw, awe-inspiring, and deeply entwined with nature’s oldest stories. As we drift past fiery-red escarpments and turquoise seas, gather over chef-prepared regional feasts from our open galley. Our purpose-built ships will get you closer, so you can explore remote these remote and vast regions. Join guest lectures that bring the rugged coast’s wonders to life. With alfresco moments, expert guides, and the quiet thrill of discovery, every day feels wild yet welcoming.

Deck-plan-Coral-Adventurer
Coral_Adventurer_Explorer_Deck_Balcony_Stateroom5

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